It s more than a scholarship... FROM THE TOP S JACK KENT COOKE YOUNG ARTIST AWARD

It s more than a scholarship... FROM THE TOP S JACK KENT COOKE YOUNG ARTIST AWARD

ABOUT FROM THE TOP S JACK KENT COOKE YOUNG ARTIST AWARD Scholarship Benefits Up to $10,000 to apply toward instrument purchases, summer camp tuition, college audition travel expenses, private lessons, or other music-related needs Appearance on NPR s From the Top with Host Christopher O Riley Participation in From the Top s Arts Leadership Program Who Should Apply? We re looking for classical instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers (ages 8 18) who have not yet entered college and have an interest in performing on From the Top. Applicants must demonstrate: Exceptional musical achievement Unmet financial need Academic achievement Strength of character How to Apply Go to www.fromthetop.org/apply for information, deadlines, and to apply online. There is no fee for scholarship applicants. For more than 10 years, the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award has fundamentally transformed the lives of classical music s next generation of young artists. More than a scholarship, it s truly a game changer. JAVIER CABALLERO SCHOLARSHIP & RECRUITMENT MANAGER, FROM THE TOP From the Top has celebrated and promoted outstanding young musicians through our NPR radio show and arts leadership programs for over 15 years. In 2005, a partnership with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation was born, one that would help From the Top identify deserving young musicians with financial need, and offer them a scholarship that would change their lives. Whether it s purchasing a new instrument, traveling to college auditions, or paying for lessons, the Young Artist Award helps high-achieving young musicians get the training and resources they need to excel. The Award is about more than money, however. It s about helping Young Artists realize their full potential, and make a difference with their music. All Young Artist Award recipients appear on our radio show, NPR s From the Top with Host Christopher O Riley, receive arts leadership training, and many choose to give back to their communities. In its short lifetime, From the Top s Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist scholarship program has awarded over $2,000,000 in scholarships to more than 220 outstanding young musicians. On cover: Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Sterling Elliott

For me it means Leadership I truly believe that music makes people better. The Young Artist Award inspired me; it made me realize I could do more for the next generation. I enjoy promoting classical music to children because I believe they will continue the tradition and bridge the past with the future. MASHA LAKISOVA, AGE 13 Masha Lakisova was only 13 when she appeared on NPR s From the Top and participated in our arts leadership workshop. She was inspired to perform outreach concerts at multiple schools in her home state of Illinois. Go to www.fromthetop.org to listen to Masha on NPR s From the Top with Host Christopher O Riley: Show 295.

I struggled to hold back tears when I found out that I would now finally be able to afford a good cello to carry me through college as a cello performance major. Thanks to the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, I am now the proud owner of a 1977 Antonio Capela cello. I could not be any happier. For me it means Opportunity DAVID CAPLAN, AGE 17 David Caplan appeared on NPR s From the Top in March of 2017. After years of playing on a borrowed cello, the award enabled him to finally purchase one of his own. He looks forward to attending University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Go to www.fromthetop.org to listen to David on NPR s From the Top with Host Christopher O Riley: Show 336

For me it means Education Because of the Young Artist Award, I will be able to continue my education at Interlochen Arts Academy. This past year, my family struggled so much with tuition costs. My grandfather began selling his cattle, and my mother began working twelvehour shifts on Saturdays in addition to her five-day work week. Receiving this award has as not only had a huge impact on me, it has impacted my entire family. OLIVIA ELERSON, AGE 16 Olivia Elerson received the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award in conjunction with her appearance on NPR s From the Top in Longview, Texas. In addition to playing classical music, Olivia enjoys playing jazz and beatbox flute. Go to www.fromthetop.org to listen to Olivia on NPR s From the Top with Host Christopher O Riley: Show 336.

At a time when I doubted myself, the Young Artist Award validated all the hours spent in rehearsals and practice rooms. RICARDO ZAPATA, AGE 18 Thanks to the Young Artist Award, I was able to receive the training I needed to be accepted into the Eastman School of Music my dream college! KENNEDY WALLACE, AGE 18 Being on the show and receiving this award affirmed my decision that music is something I want to continue doing for the rest of my life. It also inspired me to improve and grow as an artist in ways that nothing has ever done before. RUJIA TENG, AGE 18 ABOUT FROM THE TOP Based in Boston, From the Top is America s largest national platform celebrating the stories, talents, and character of classically-trained young musicians. Through live events, NPR and video broadcasts, scholarships, and arts education programs, From the Top empowers these extraordinary young people to engage and inspire music lovers of all ages. Listen to our radio show on your local NPR station or download our podcast at www.fromthetop.org. ABOUT THE JACK KENT COOKE FOUNDATION The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is a private, independent foundation dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. The Foundation supports exceptional students from elementary school to graduate school through scholarships, grants, direct service, and knowledge creation and dissemination. Learn more about the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation at www.jkcf.org. This scholarship has helped me in so many different ways I even find myself more motivated and excited to practice, and it is helping me get closer to becoming a true leader in the arts. MARIA SANDERSON, AGE 17

Apply for From the Top s Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award and learn more at www.fromthetop.org/jkcf-apply Meet all of our Young Artists at www.fromthetop.org/youngartists www.fromthetop.org